New York City

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All roads lead to 2018, except when they’re closed on New Year’s Eve in Times Square. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to help you navigate the festivities and ring in the new year with no hassles.

Enter Here

If you are heading to Times Square for New Years Eve, you are advised to enter from Sixth or Eighth Avenue.

Road Closures

The New York Police Department will begin closing down access to Times Square starting at 43rd Street and Broadway. The blocks will be closed off as they fill up northward, street-by-street, as the NYPD deem necessary.

The exact times that these blocks close to pedestrian and vehicle traffic will depend on when patrons begin to arrive.

Don’t Drop the Ball When Parking

We’ve put together a list of parking facilities that will get you in for the countdown and out for the after-parties…or bedtime.

Since 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been one of New York City’s most anticipated annual traditions. 22.3 million people watch the parade on TV and over 3.5 million see it in person every year. Below are some first-timer tips to make the in-person experience easy and enjoyable.

Find Your Place on the Sidewalk

Source: https://www.macys.com/social/parade/

Watching the parade is free, but you should get there early for the best view. The parade starts at 9 AM, but spectators start lining the streets at 6 AM. Find a parking space early and stay at your viewing area until the parade is over. Many of the performances happen near 34th Street, so that area fills up first, along with places at the start and end of the parade route.

Here are other great places to watch the parade:

Central Park West. The viewing starts at 75th Street, two blocks from the start. It’s only open on the west side; the other side is closed for invite-only grandstand seating.

Tickets on the Grandstand

Grandstand tickets to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are for friends and family of parade participants, employees and volunteers. Macy’s doesn’t sell them, but individual sellers can be found online. Also try asking around for any extra tickets.

Book a Room with a View

Several hotels offer Thanksgiving Day parade packages with great views of the parade, including the J.W. Marriott Parade View Room and the Residence Inn Prime View Room packages.

Make Restaurant Reservations

At some restaurants, people can watch the parade while they eat. However, most places require reservations on that day. Make sure to call ahead to reserve your table.

Are you hungry for the warmer months ahead, and the good food and music that comes along with them? We’ve put together a list of the best upcoming 2017 festivals in NYC, from April to June. There’s sure to be at least one thing here to get you excited for the summer!

April

Now on its 9th year, one of the best spring festivals in New York, the Brooklyn Folk Fest, presents the very best of American and world folk music. Along with workshops, film screenings and jam sessions, this year’s festival also features music from Jerron “Blindboy” Paxton, Willie Watson, and Jim Kweskin.

May

Organized by Random Access Music (RAM), the Queens New Music Festival showcases living composers’ work to a whole new audience. There will be a series of concerts over 3 days, by artists and composers all over the United States.

Featuring food samples and meals from the best vegetarian restaurants, this fruit and veg fest will also include talks from leading vegetarian and plant experts, cooking demos, and animal welfare and eco-information tables. Proceeds go to the Humane League.

9th Ave, 47th to 52nd St. NYSaturday May 20, 2017 to Sunday May 21, 2017

One of the longest running summer 2017 food festivals in NYC, this year’s Ninth Avenue International Food Fest promises to deliver more fun and more food! The festival features international food offerings from merchants such as Lucky’s Famous Burgers, Daisy May’s BBQ, and Otto’s Tacos. Attendees will be treated to music & dance, and children’s games. Check it out – entry is free!

June

Randall’s Island, New York CityTickets: 1 day General Admission passes start at $105Friday June 2, 2017 to Sunday June 4, 2017

Launched in 2011, The Governor’s Ball Music Festival is a multi-day music festival featuring artists from an array of genres, including rock, hip hop, electronic, americana, pop, folk and more. This year’s lineup features recent Grammy winner for Best New Artist:Chance the Rapper, alongside Lorde, Phoenix, Childish Gambino, and Wiz Khalifa.

For 13 years now, Hunter Mountain has served as the backdrop to the Mountain Jam festival, a 3-day, multi-stage event featuring over 40 artists. This year’s lineup features artists such as The Head and The Heart, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The String Cheese Incident, and Steve Miller Band.

Now on its 11th year, this free music fest celebrates the longest day of the year with live music: over 1,000 concerts in sidewalks and streets across all 5 boroughs. From 10am to 10pm, listen to musicians of all ages perform in all genres–hiphop, punk, rock to Latin jazz and opera.

Gruyere, edam, cheddar–no matter your favorite, if you love cheese, this is the place for you! Over 50 of the country’s best cheesemongers battle it out for ultimate supremacy. Prepare your stomach for a night of pleasantries and of course, lots of cheese!

Featuring 40 exclusive food vendors and hundreds of other merchants in over 40,000 sq ft of retail space, the Famous Food Festival brings the flavors of the world to New York while supporting local businesses. To score free entrance for this inaugural event, simply RSVP to get tickets sent straight to your email.

Some may bill it as a “Hallmark Holiday,” but Valentine’s Day is really what you and your love make of it. With so many different activities to choose from during Valentine’s Day in New York City, there’s sure to be something that fits your unique tastes – even if you can’t celebrate on the 14th!

Look into the stars this Valentine’s Day in New York. The American Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center for Earth and Space is hosting a special event with an open cocktail and champagne bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and chocolates. While you gaze into the stars and seek out specific heavenly bodies, enjoy the musical stylings of a jazz quartet.

There’s no hard and fast rule that says you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th. If something prevents you and your love from making it out on that exact date, the Disney Valentine’s Ball might be your perfect alternative.

If you fancy yourself a Disney princess, you’ll enjoy hearing the greatest love tales of all time, and receiving “true love’s kiss” from your sweetie at Disney’s Valentine’s Ball. Rock cover band The Little Mermen will be serenading couples to ensure their own fairy tale night. And don’t let the fact that Disney is in the name throw you off – this all night sing-along featuring Disney hits is sure to be a rager!

Here’s another fun date idea instead of or in addition to February 14th activities. R&B/soul stars The Stylistics, The Dramatics, The Delfonics, The Manhattans, and Blue Magic will be setting the mood for this romantic Valentine’s Day in New York date idea.

Love is in the air at Duffy Square. Take your love by the hand and play witness to (or act as a participant in!) actual wedding ceremonies, surprise proposals, and vow renewals. If the relationship is new, have your own fun by going to the Heart of Hearts kaleidoscopic kissing booths.

For the super-fit couple, a Valentine’s Day in New York date might consist of a mutual adrenaline rush. Specifically, rock climbing at Try The Cliffs at LIC. Buy a day pass ($28), or if you’re a novice, an introductory class ($49). The facility is well-equipped, and the friendly staff will make sure you have an amazing time.

Improve your senses by getting rid of one of them. Guests at chef Abigail Hitchcock’s Camaje will experience a four-course meal while blindfolded. This unusual experience is choreographed by performance artists and is said to be an experiment to test and awaken senses. It will surely be a Valentine’s Day in New York you won’t soon forget!

If you and your partner are the type who’d prefer a low-key, no-fuss Valentine’s Day in New York, Barracuda Lounge might be the perfect place for you. This no-attitude gay lounge is a cozy place to enjoy a drag show – especially during happy hour.

The High LineWashington St at Gansevoort St, New YorkFreeEveryday, 7am–11pm

The High Line is a long park in New York that first opened in 2009. Abandoned elevated train tracks were transformed into exquisite parks and gardens. With stunning views of the Hudson River, and downtown New York’s skyline, The High Line provides a romantic atmosphere on any day of the year.

You’ll be able to see Hudson River Park from The High Line – why not make your way over on Valentine’s Day? This beautiful waterfront park stretches from Battery Park to 59th Street. If you decide to get active, there’s skating, kayaking many paths for walking, and plenty of room for biking.

Are you a fan of classical music? Check out Love in the Parlors: A Valentine in Concert. Presented by The Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society, performers include Anthony Bellov, Amy Gluck, Jane Elizabeth, and many others signing 19th century hits.

During the holidays, New York gets even livelier than it already is! People enjoy the lights lined up along the streets, holiday deals at New York’s finest shopping establishments, and decorations around every corner.

But what makes the city truly unique are all the things to do during the holiday in New York. If you’re planning to spend your holidays in NYC, here are a number of events and things to do during the winter season.

World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorahs

The Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods host competitors who aim to create the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah. Those closer to Manhattan can see the 32 foot high, 4,000 pound steel icon across from The Plaza Hotel. If you’re in Brooklyn, the neighborhood menorah can be seen at the top of Prospect Park. Brooklyn makes a big event out of the competition, with a concert prior to the first night’s lighting, and potato pancakes!

If you enjoy a day out at a museum, you’ll really enjoy the Santa and the City exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York. In this exhibition, guests will be treated to historical images of jolly old St. Nick from the Museum’s collection. It’s the perfect seasonal way to appreciate art!

Make your holiday season both fancy and festivNutce with a ticket to George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. An impressive 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 32 stagehands and 2 casts of 50 young students come together to make this production possible.

Kwanzaa Celebrations

Apollo Theater (Manhattan)

December 26, 2016 – January 1, 2017

This celebration of African-American heritage takes place every year, from 12/26 – 1/1, and ends with a feast and gift-giving. Of course, if you’re looking for New York City’s largest Kwanzaa celebration, check out the American Museum of Natural History to start. Look forward to African dance, traditional crafts, spoken word, and live musical performances.

23 Days of Flatiron Cheer is the perfect holiday celebration for someone who can’t get enough of the Christmas season. In the fifth year of this annual event around the Flatiron building, you’ll find many interactive installations, performances from local groups, and giveaways from local businesses.

You’re probably familiar with A Christmas Carol, but have you ever seen it as a live action theatrical performance? Come to Queens Theater for your opportunity to witness this holiday classic come to life. Yes, it’s a musical interpretation, but you’ll be pleased to know that the story remains unchanged!

If you’re brave enough to come out for a few hours during the winter cold, you’ll benefit from music, food, nature, and shopping at Queens Botanical Garden, which will be hosting a holiday marketplace on December 18th. Attendees will be celebrating Winter Solstice, and the event is open to all ages (with special activities for kids).

If you’re in New York City during New Year’s Eve, you can’t miss the Times Square Ball Drop! This is perhaps the most anticipated event of the year, and is televised so the rest of the world doesn’t have to miss it. Besides the famous ball drop, there’s also a number of live performances to look forward to.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a New York City tradition since 1924. People all over the US watch the parade chock full of floats and performers on TV, and about 3.5 million see it in person every year. Below are some tips for first-timers to make seeing the parade in real life easy.

Find a Place on the Sidewalk

Parade Route via http://www.nyctourist.com/macys_map.htm

Watching the parade is free, but people should get there early for the best view. Spectators start lining the streets at 6:00 a.m. and the parade starts at 9:00. Find a parking space early and don’t leave your viewing spot when you find it until the parade is over. Many of the performances happen near 34th Street, so those spaces usually fill up first, along with spots at the beginning and the end of the parade route. Other good places for watching the parade are:

Central Park West. The viewing starts at 75th Street, two blocks away from the start of the parade. It’s only open on the West side, as the other side is closed for invite-only grandstand seating.

Grandstand tickets to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are for the friends and family of parade participants, employees and volunteers. Macy’s doesn’t sell them, but individuals often sell them online. Some people may also have a friend with an extra ticket.

Book a Room with a View

Several hotels offer Thanksgiving parade packages with great views, including the JW Marriot’s Parade-View Room Package and the Residence Inn’s Prime View Package.

Make Reservations at a Nearby Restaurant

At some restaurants, people can watch the parade while they eat. However, most establishments require reservations for Thanksgiving since it’s such a busy day. The only restrooms available on the parade route are in restaurants as well.

Who will you be watching the parade with? Let us know in the comments below.

Your Guide To Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade was last modified: November 17th, 2016 by ParkWhiz Staff

It’s almost that time of year again, time for holiday shopping! As people are making their lists and figuring out the right gifts for everyone on it, they should also be sure to map out the places to go to find the best presents.

Here are some of the best shopping spots in NYC:

Herald Square. Macy’s in Herald Square, what a place to be during the holidays! Since 1902, this Macy’s has been more of a cultural icon than a shopping destination. In addition, the surrounding area is home to one of the few indoor malls in New York City. There are plenty of well-known retailers and small boutiques; it’s the perfect place to get Black Friday deals.

Soho. Soho is another wonderful shopping district in NYC. It’s one of the oldest, most famous districts in the city, full of high-end fashion houses. Shoppers can find Prada, Armani Exchange, Stella McCartney, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and Chanel to name a few. There are also a number of designer lighting and furnishings shops.

Union Square. The Union Square Holiday Market takes place in Union Square each year. This internationally renowned market is located right in the heart of the city. Millions of people visit the market each year to browse handmade gifts created by local artisans. This is a unique ‘can’t miss’ experience.

59th and Lexington. The 59th and Lexington area is a 20-block stretch of small shops of all types. Most are local boutiques, rather than well-known retailers, so shoppers can really find some unique gifts.

Grand Central. There is another holiday market in the Grand Central area of New York City. The Grand Central Holiday Fair takes place every year in the historic Grand Central Station. There are plenty of cool vendors and a train show, so kids will actually enjoy this shopping day.

New York City is a busy place, but everybody needs a day off! Luckily, Labor Day is right around the corner and there’s no shortage of things to do. Here’s a selection of our favorite Labor Day activities in New York City.

This annual takes place in Brooklyn every September. The West Indian-American Day Carnival and Parade is a seven-hour New York carnival. You should expect to see steel-pan and calypso bands in elaborate costumes, which then march down Eastern Parkway. Vendors will be around, selling island grub along the route.

Watch Riverside Park South transform itself from an urban area into a complete circus. Riverside Park South will play host to a mini Ferris wheel, multiple bounce houses, a reptile show, carnival games, stilt walkers, aerialists, a magician, four bands and local food vendors. The only question is, will you have time for all of it?

Whether you’ll be outside enjoying a festival or inside browsing an art gallery, there really is something for everyone in this list of Labor Day activities in New York City. How will you be spending the weekend, and your day off?

Labor Day Weekend Is One Big Festival In NYC! was last modified: August 25th, 2016 by Maddy Osman

There’s no shortage of things to do throughout the rest of the year in NYC, but the summer is when this city truly shines. New York Summers are full of possibility with concerts, festivals, restaurants, and other extensive entertainment options.

Whether you live in New York or are just visiting, our Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York City will help you plan out what to do every weekend – until the summer is over!

Concerts

Brand New & Modest Mouse

We can’t imagine a better one-two musical punch that will activate a fierce nostalgia in your bones. Brand New and Modest Mouse act together as a powerful rock duo that will bring you right back to your emo high school days.

Billy Joel

If you haven’t been to New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, it’s hard to think of a better time than this summer’s upcoming Billy Joel concert. Immerse yourself in a musical experience that can only come together from someone who’s a songwriter, singer, and pianist!

Haitus Kaiyote

Hiatus Kaiyote knows a little bit about the power of phonetics and a lot about music. This future-soul quartet is making the long trip from Melbourne, Australia to share their musical stylings with New York City. You’ll catch them jammin’ at the Amphitheater at the Coney Island Boardwalk.

Comedy Shows

Seinfeld

Seinfeld has a very loyal following, even years after the TV show stopped producing new episodes. If you’re the type of person who finds yourself constantly quoting the show, you’d be wise to grab a ticket to one of two dates before other super fans beat you to it!

New York City FC

Theater/Musicals

What could be better than a night on Broadway in New York City? You haven’t fully experienced all this wonderful city has to offer until you’ve made some time for some of our nation’s best theatrical productions!

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible

Looking for a play that will make you think? Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is dripping with historical references – but some are fictionalized! A must see for those interested in the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism.

Queensbridge Park

If you’re by the Queensboro Bridge, you really ought to make your way over to Queensbridge Park. It was constructed back in 1901, but has been beautifully maintained since then. Spend the day enjoying an almost unlimited amount of leisure activities including a wading pool, picnic areas, and sports fields like volleyball.

Gantry Plaza State park

There isn’t a lot of space to spare in New York City, but the Gantry Plaza State Park spans over 12 acres. You might recognize it’s picturesque grounds from the 2005 film Munich, and the film The Interpreter (look for the Pepsi sign!).

Washington Square Park

If you’re enjoying a stroll on Fifth Avenue, you might as well take a detour to the Washington Square Park. Catch up on a little history while viewing statues featuring famous figures from history, like George Washington, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and Alexander Lyman Holley. You may recognize it from movies including I am Legend, August Rush, and Kids.

Union Square Park

If you’re a fan of outdoor markets, then you’d better make sure that your time in New York City leads to an afternoon in Union Square Park. It’s home to the Union Square Green Market. If you’re downtown in the winter, you’ll also be able to catch the Union Square Holiday Market.

Madison Square Park

There’s plenty of historical relevance within the gates of Madison Square Park, but we’re really most excited about the Shake Shack that serves up delicious hotdogs, burgers, and shakes. Once you’ve satisfied your hunger, make sure to check out the various statues and walking areas.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park’s namesake is an homage to the New York Evening Post editor and abolitionist: William Cullen Bryant. Its beautiful grounds have been featured in popular movies like Ghostbusters and Morning Glory. Besides trying to recreate your favorite scenes, you should also check out the reading room, skating pond, and holiday shops (if you’re there in the winter!).

And if you’re there at the exact right time, you may be able to catch a taping of the final three in Project Runway during Fashion Week.

Touristy Stuff

There’s no avoiding it so you might as well embrace it. Besides, New York City tourist spots are bucket list items for travelers.

Empire State Building

Also known as New York’s nickname namesake. Its Art Deco style has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Make sure to take the elevator up to the 86th floor for the most insane views of New York’s metropolis.

Times Square

Have you really been to New York City if you haven’t spent time in Times Square? The flashing billboards and heavy (pedestrian and vehicular) traffic are all part of the experience. You may also know it as the Crossroads of the World, Center of the Universe, or the Heart of the Great White Way. If you’re in New York City in the winter, head over for the Annual Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve.

The “square” is a bit of a misnomer, as the area Times Square occupies is more like a polygon in a bowtie shape. Attempts to petition the city to change the name to Times Bowtie Polygon have been unsuccessful.

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of hope for immigrants arriving in Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty is almost synonymous with “America.” This 151 foot copper status was a gift to the US from the people of France.Statue Cruises will ferry you over, then you can purchase tickets to climb the staircase, pedestal, and crown.

Top Food Picks

Where do we begin? NYC has no shortage of food options, even if our go-to is always a delicious cheese pizza that we devour by ourselves in a single sitting.Here are a few suggestions to get you started on your New York City food journey.

Brooklyn Brewery

Here’s a spot for the tourist who’s over 21. Brooklyn Brewery beer is known and distributed throughout the United States, but you should give it a try at the home base.

Jack’s Wife Freda

Black Tap

Need an afternoon treat? The Black Tap has some insane milkshakes that tend to photograph well for Instagram, if you’re into that sort of thing. Not feeling sweet? They also serve a hearty menu of craft beer and burgers.

Baracca

So there you have it. Your Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York City. With a little bit of planning, you can have it all: Yankees games, a performance of Hamilton, Nick Offerman’s live comedy show, a beautiful day in the park, and some brag worthy meals (to start!).

Is there something we missed? What would you add to the Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York City? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!

Your Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York was last modified: August 15th, 2016 by Maddy Osman

Your four-legged buddy might be your best friend at home, but traveling with a dog doesn’t always make sense. If you like to travel regularly, or even if you’re just planning a special trip, you might feel some guilt about leaving Fido or Fluffy at home.

Travelers that are Manhattan-bound may not have to leave their dogs at home though. From boutique hotels that love to pamper your pet, to restaurants that will happily send your dog away with an overflowing bag of treats, Manhattan is one of the most pooch-friendly cities on the planet.

Loews Regency Hotel

Finding a place to stay is one of the most challenging parts of vacationing for those traveling with a pet. Some hotels in Manhattan will allow small dogs – think cat size – but some won’t allow pets at all. Others charge big fees for cleaning and nightly pet stays.

The Loews Regency Hotel, located right near Central Park, isn’t one of those spots. While they do charge more than a couple of pennies per night, they won’t gouge you just for bringing your dog.

Barking Dog Luncheonette

Located on the Upper East Side, Barking Dog Luncheonette is one of the most dog-friendly restaurants you’re going to find in Manhattan or anywhere else. While your pet can’t dine with you indoors, you can grab one of the many tables outside and watch the street scene unfold with them.

Barking Dog Luncheonette will even make sure your four-legged pal has some fresh, clean water to drink. That’s especially important on those hot summer afternoons.

Note it’s best to call ahead to see if they’ll hold a table for you outside so you can bring your dog.

Times Square

You may not be able to take your pet to a Broadway show, but you shouldn’t miss Times Square. It’s one of the most walkable areas in the city, perfect for stretching your legs and getting your barker some exercise.

Many stores, including major clothing and department stores, also turn a blind eye to well-behaved pets. Smaller boutiques may also welcome pets with manners, if you ask nicely.

Fred’s

Known for their great bites and dog-friendly seating, Fred’s restaurant even uses a dog in their logo. You won’t be able to eat inside at Fred’s with your pup, but there’s ample outdoor seating for lunch and dinner at this excellent American bistro at the corner of 83rd and Amsterdam.